Unity Hospice celebrates 25 years

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Unity Hospice celebrates 25 years

ROCHELLE – Unity Hospice is excited to announce its 25th anniversary of serving patients and families in the Midwest. 25 years ago, Michael Klein, now president & CEO of Unity Hospice, was a successful young lawyer who sought purpose and service in his work.

He wanted to come home each night with the knowledge that he made a positive impact on the world. In November of 1992, Unity Hospice began at the now famous kitchen table of his home in Skokie.

It was at this very table where he drafted plans to create a hospice that serves the under served; a hospice that doesn’t deny care for anyone based on whether or not they have a payer source. Unity Hospice’s foundation was created based on federal and state regulations, but it is the pillars of servant leadership, cultural excellence and quality service and programming that made Unity Hospice what it is today.

 “I want to thank our patients and families for the opportunity to serve them over the last 25 years, and to the team members that have made this dream possible,” Klein said. “I’m extremely fortunate to work alongside the individuals that make such a difference in the lives of those who are in need of our care. It’s a true honor. I look forward to the next 25 years and then some.”

Today, Unity Hospice proudly serves patients in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri. Unity Hospice’s Chicagoland offices have been named a top workplace by the Chicago Tribune for three consecutive years, with special recognition in employee appreciation and meaningfulness in the workplace.

 Being a family owned and operated institution, Unity Hospice puts people before profit. The hospice company offers patients many benefits in addition to the hospice basics required by regulation. One of those benefits is their ownership of equipment and warehouses, rather than contracting with third party vendors, allowing for quick medical equipment delivery.

 Another benefit is that Unity Hospice comes to you, wherever it is you call home. Whether a patient is in a private home, a nursing home or other care facility, Unity Hospice will be there for you. The staff at Unity Hospice does their utmost to ensure that patients and families experience comfort, dignity and tranquility, wherever they are.

 Additionally, the Unity Hospice staff is trained in professional standards. It’s not the product that matters, but the experience, so all Unity staff undergo rigorous training in the Unity Hospice Professional Standards to ensure that the care they provide is a cut above the rest.

 For more information about hospice and palliative care, or to receive assistance on advanced care planning for your loved ones, contact Unity Hospice at 888.949.1188.

The Hospice Movement

2017 also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the hospice movement. The first modern day hospice was established in 1967, called St. Christopher’s Hospice. St. Christopher’s Hospice was founded on the ideals of Dr. Cicely Saunders and Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, who both recognized an unmet need for end-of-life care.

 This initial approach to care, along with advances in palliative care and the introduction of holistic support, has led to the development of hospice care as we know it today. Modern hospice and palliative care programs provide pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and spiritual care to patients and their families when a cure is not possible. It combines the highest level of quality medical care with the emotional and spiritual support that families need most when facing a serious illness or the end of life.

“Every year, nearly 1.4 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospices in this country,” said Edo Banach, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “These highly-trained professionals ensure that patients and families find dignity, respect, and love during life’s most difficult journey.”

About Unity Hospice

Founded in 1992, Unity Hospice is a family owned and operated hospice and palliative care company committed to providing comprehensive care, support and education to people facing a life-limiting illness, those who care for them and the community. Unity Hospice offers care of the highest quality by licensed and competent staff in accordance with laws & regulations and accepted standards of practice. With the dedication to make their patients’ days comfortable, Unity Hospice provides an interdisciplinary approach to each individual and family, in which they go above and beyond every day to meet their needs. To learn more, visit www.UnityHospice.com.